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Since November 1, 2024 and until the end of March 2025, the emergency accommodation system has been strengthened in the Ariège department, by opening additional places to accommodate people who are homeless or in distress. What we call the “Great Cold” plan has therefore been activated.
In a press release, the Ariège prefecture announces the implementation of the “Great Cold” plan from November 1, 2024 and until March 31, 2025. The objective? Strengthen the emergency accommodation system by opening additional places to accommodate people who are homeless or in distress.
Increased vigilance is thus implemented among people in great precariousness. The winter campaign is based on monitoring climatic conditions and the responsiveness of social monitoring actors. During the winter period, the department “increases its emergency accommodation capacity with up to 174 places that can be used, depending on the intensity of the cold”, assures the prefecture.
In detail, three levels can be activated. The first has already been in place since November 1, 2024: 38 additional places are added to the 136 places open all year round in terms of emergency accommodation. THE level 2 corresponds to an aggravated meteorological situation with daytime temperatures between – 11°C and – 17°C. Maraudes are reinforced and the vigilance of the police and gendarmerie services is increased. Ten additional places are created. THE level 3 concerns an exceptional meteorological situation with daytime temperatures below – 18°C. Five additional places can be mobilized “through the temporary opening of accommodation places.”
In addition to strengthening the accommodation system, the three day centers in Foix, Pamiers and Saint-Girons are changing their opening hours, to offer reception during the lunch break, as well as on weekends, when weather conditions are 'impose.
The Red Cross also organizes maraudes in Foix, Pamiers, Laroque d'Olmes, Mirepoix, Lavelanet, Tarascon-sur-Ariège and Saint-Girons. They make it possible to identify people in difficulty, provide them with warm clothing and food and offer them accommodation for the night, in an emergency accommodation center. These raids can become daily in the event of extreme weather conditions.
As a reminder, during this same period, the winter break suspends all rental evictions.
